The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Swirbul Library

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Swirbul Library (detail, entrance), Adelphi University

Institution Name: Adelphi University
Original/Historic Place Name: Swirbul Library
Location on Campus: South Ave.
Date(s) of Construction and Designer(s):

1963	original construction Neutra, Richard J.

Type of Place: Individual building
Style(s): (Glossary)
Materials:

Foundation: concrete

Walls: brick; glass

Roof: none specified

Function:

1963-present (2007)

library

Significance: architecture, education
Landmark designation:

none

Narrative: see below
References: see below

Narrative:
Swirbul Library was designed for Adelphi University by the renowned California architect Richard J. Neutra. Its most notable feature is the magnificent circular staircase extending from the first to the second floor, which Neutra described as symbolizing "the spiraled ascent to wisdom." The 36,881 square-foot two-story building was opened to the public on August 16, 1963.

References:

I. Bibliographic sources:

None specified.

II. Location of other data: